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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tmalicia on December 10, 2005, at 23:47:23
I'm on Wellbutrin and generally ok, though I've noticed I still have very bad days of depression when I take certain drugs a few days in a row -- Claritin, for one, but more alarming to me are my frequently needed benzos.I have klonopin, valium, and soma (technically a muscle relaxer, but I've read that it breaks down into a benzo that was popular before valium). It only takes a couple of days using any of them and wham, I suddenly can't get off the couch or talk to anyone.
So I'm wondering if alternating them when needed a couple of days in a row would help avoid this. I'm doubtful, but I've gotten to the point where I'm afraid to take anything for fear of turning weepy and nonfunctional the next day.
Posted by gardenergirl on December 11, 2005, at 0:16:58
In reply to alternating benzos to avoid depression?, posted by tmalicia on December 10, 2005, at 23:47:23
Hi,
I have no experience with benzo's so I can't address the main part of your post. But I'm intrigiued by what you said about Claritin and depression.I've taken Claritin nearly everyday for, gosh, seven years or so. I recently stopped, because the combination of an antihistamine and my other meds makes dry mouth a problem. I stopped taking it about four or five days ago, and the last couple of days I've felt really really good. Depression free for the first time in at least a year.
I've never heard of Claritin and depression being linked. I'll have to stay off of it and see if my good feelings last. And then maybe try it again for a few days just to see what happens to my mood.
Thanks for mentioning it.
gg
Posted by med_empowered on December 11, 2005, at 1:20:35
In reply to About claritin » tmalicia, posted by gardenergirl on December 11, 2005, at 0:16:58
hi! yeah, soma breaks down in meprobamate (brand names: miltown and equanil), which was a popular anti-anxiety med in the 50s...it isnt a benzo; its kind of like a midway point between the barbiturates and the benzos. I imagine it would be more likely to induce depression than the benzos. Klonopin is probably the benzo most likely to cause depression (next to Tranxene). Valium is a little better; Ativan is pretty clean, and Xanax tends to have some modest antidepressant properties, which can be quite noticeable at higher doses.
Good luck!
Posted by blueberry on December 11, 2005, at 6:46:35
In reply to alternating benzos to avoid depression?, posted by tmalicia on December 10, 2005, at 23:47:23
Whether you alternate benzos or not it might be a decent idea to put xanax in the mix, either by itself or as part of the rotation. Just based on things I've read, my own experiences, and following posts here over time, xanax seems the least likely to induce depression and actually can have antidepressant qualities of its own.
Posted by tmalicia on December 11, 2005, at 10:42:49
In reply to Re: alternating benzos to avoid depression?, posted by blueberry on December 11, 2005, at 6:46:35
Thanks for the info. Unfortuntaley the few Xanax I tried just put me to sleep, even at just .25 mg, so it's not good for me during the day. Maybe I'll give it another try though.
And apparently I'm hypersensitive to this stuff, because it was actually after taking Klonopin for a few days (it also helped with my migraines, so I was really happy) that I got so low. I haven't taken anything since Thursday or Friday and have been ok.
And, gardenergirl, I'm glad I could make the Claritin connection for you. It took me a few times to notice it myself...I have such *great* luck with drugs. :)
Posted by Phillipa on December 11, 2005, at 12:04:55
In reply to Re: About claritin, posted by med_empowered on December 11, 2005, at 1:20:35
Med soma breaks down into mephrobomate? That and valium are what got rid of my anxiety years ago. Is it possible due to menopause to switch from anxiety to depression. Whay or why am I afraid to go out by myself? And everyone gets up before me. Fondly, Phillipa
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